After 9 hours of research evaluating 51 products, we picked Urban Decay Perversion Mascara as our top choice.
We know the struggle of trying to find the perfect mascara for your lashes. With the hundreds of brands out there – where do you even begin? Mascara should help define, lengthen, volumize, and curl your lashes. We’re here to help.
What to Look For?
When searching for the best mascara, you’re going to want to look at the formula and the brush type. Knowing what is in your mascara is essential – you don’t want something that contains a ton of toxins or could irritate your eyes and skin.
The brush type is going to determine how the formula applies to your lashes. Does the brush bend to give your lashes a pretty curl? Is the brush thin or shaped to cover those hard to reach lashes?
What Else Sould You Know?
Keep in mind that mascara is the shortest lasting make-up. Remember to replace your mascara every three months to avoid any bacteria growth. Also, be sure to never share your mascara as this can also cause unwanted bacteria.
Let’s Take a Look!
Below we’ve compiled a list of our favorite mascaras on the market right now. For more of our favorite make-up essentials be sure to check out our best eyeliners, lipsticks, and under-eye concealers!
#1 Best Mascara Overall
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
- Waterproof
- Adds ultra volume
- Naturally lengthens lashes
Pros
Urban Decay’s Perversion Mascara creates natural, luscious-looking lashes. It’s waterproof and will stay on your lashes all day long.
Product Ratings
Brush
9.5/10
This brush is incredible – slowly separating each lash to provide defined, full, clump-free, voluminous lashes.
After one application you’ll notice defined natural looking lashes, apply several times for a more dramatic look.
Formula
9.6/10
This creamy formula smoothly coats lashes, creating full-bodied, elongated lashes. The formula contains Hairdensyl, (a blend of proteins and amino acids that are known to stimulate lash growth), honey extract, elastane, and marine collagen. It has no parabens, and the brand Urban Decay is completely cruelty-free – woohoo!
The Perversion Mascara formula stays on through workouts, tears, even the accidental rubbing of the eye.
Value
9.2/10
Yes, this is one of the priciest mascaras on our list, but we seriously think it’s worth it.
Overall Editor Score
9.4/10
#2 Best Curling Mascara
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara
- Gives all day curls
- Lengthens eyelashes
- Smudge-proof formula
Pros
This is the curling wand we’ve all been looking for – the “Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara” genuinely lifts lashes and provides a super curl that lasts up to 12 hours.
Product Ratings
Brush
9.5/10
This brush is specifically designed to give your lashes that perfect curl you’ve been looking for. Apply this brush to the roots of your lashes and slowly pull up to the tips. This brush is literally a roller for lashes – it grabs, separates, lifts, and then curls lashes.
Formula
9.3/10
The formula has serine and provitamin B5 meaning it’s going to provide great conditioning for your lashes. This setting formula holds for 12 hours – meaning all day curled, luscious lashes!
Value
9.2/10
It’s a little more expensive than some of our other brushes, but it works and is worth it for the curling, longevity, and long-lasting lashes.
Overall Editor Score
9.3/10
#3 Best Lengthening Mascara
It Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara
- Adds crazy length to lashes
- Feels smooth and silky
- Stays on all day
Pros
It Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara gives your lashes natural-looking longevity. The Elastic Stretch Technology wraps each lash creating more defined, longer-looking lashes.
Product Ratings
Brush
9.3/10
This brush separates and then grabs on to each lash – elongating the appearance of your lashes with just one application.
Start from the root and gently glide up the lashes to create long looking natural lashes. For a more intense look, apply multiple coats.
Formula
9.2/10
This cruelty-free formula has peptides, proteins, biotin, lash-enhancing polymers, and collagen. You’re not going to have flaky lashes thanks to this formula, and it is effortless to wash off.
Value
9.3/10
For a quality mascara, the price is a great deal.
Overall Editor Score
9.3/10
#4 Best Clump-Free Mascara
COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Extensions LashBlast Mascara
- The best clump-free mascara
- Adds volume and length
- Great price
Pros
Covergirl’s Clump Crusher Extensions LashBlast Mascara is everything in one. It adds length, volume, and prevents clumping in your lashes. Depending on how much you apply, you can get natural-looking long lashes or magazine-style voluminous lashes.
Product Ratings
Brush
9/10
The brush is curved, which helps lift and elongate your lashes. This brush works to separate lashes while adding volume. Essentially if you’ve been considering getting lash extensions – try this product first. It’s going to give your real lashes all the volume and length you need.
Hold the brush as close to lashes as possible, start at the roots, and slowly wiggle the brush to the tips for best application.
Formula
9.2/10
The fiber stretch formula sweeps through lashes – preventing clumps and adding volume.
Value
9.3/10
Possibly one of the best values on our list. This is a great mascara to stock up on and use for any occasion.
Overall Editor Score
9.2/10
#5 Best Volumizing Mascara
It’s So BIG Volumizing Mascara
- Gives a long lasting curl
- Adds tons of volume
- No clumping
Pros
The “It’s So BIG Volumizing Mascara” is going to give your lashes real volume. It’s clump-free, flake-free, and (bonus!) cruelty-free! This mascara doesn’t smudge and is waterproof – yet it also washes off easily using oil-based makeup removers.
Product Ratings
Brush
8.9/10
This corset shaped brush gives an even and precise application. It’s perfect for those hard to reach places (you know those annoying corner lashes you can never seem to get!) The brush hugs your lashes from root to end, giving a voluminous look and an everlasting curl thanks to the beeswax formula.
Formula
9.1/10
This formula is water-based and exceptionally light – it’s not going to weigh down your lashes or feel sticky like other leading brands. The formula is blended with natural Carnauba and beeswax – which helps keep a beautiful curl on your lashes all day long. Thanks to this natural and lightweight formula, the mascara is also very easy to wipe off.
This formula is also safe to use on lash extensions – hooray!
Value
9.2/10
For the price, you don’t need much to achieve beautiful natural-looking lashes. This product lasts for a long time.
Overall Editor Score
9.1/10
#6 Best Drugstore Mascara
COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara
- Builds lashes well
- Adds real volume
- Holds all day long
Pros
The Covergirl LashBlash Volume Mascara is a classic. It’s been around for a long time for a reason.
Product Ratings
Brush
8.9/10
The bristles on this brush are extremely thin, which helps you add an even coat that you can then build on. The brush glides through lashes and adds natural-looking length and volume.
Formula
8.8/10
This dark black, creamy formula is great for all eye colors. The formula goes on lightly with the first application without clumping and with several applications, this formula builds to a thick, voluminous lash.
The best way to remove this formula is with makeup remover – warm water alone will not do the trick.
Value
9.3/10
This is probably one of the best values when it comes to mascara – you’re getting a 0.44oz tube for only $6.29. It can’t be beaten.
Overall Editor Score
9/10
#7 Best Natural Mascara
Tarte Cosmetics Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara
- Made from Amazonian clay
- Helps condition and repair lashes
- Non-irritating
Pros
This Tarte Cosmetics Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara is one of the best natural mascaras out there. It helps restore and rebuild your lashes while also adding thickness and volume.
Product Ratings
Brush
8.9/10
This brush tends to each lash to create a full, defined look. Apply this product lightly at first – the thicker, softer bristles mean it’s going to come on a little heavier than other mascaras.
Formula
9.2/10
This formula is one of a kind. It’s made from Amazonian clay and nourishes your lashes while you wear it. The formula hydrates, balances, and repairs lashes to help restore beat up or almost non-existent lashes to fuller, longer, healthier lashes.
If you’ve been using mascara with a lot of chemicals and have noticed the damage, this is the perfect mascara to switch to. It’s going to help bring your lashes back to their natural state, while also acting as a beautiful mascara. This formula also helps prevent lash loss and improves the overall health of your eyelashes.
Value
8.9/10
If you are looking for a mascara that is going to restore your lashes – this is a value that can’t be beaten. The 0.24oz tube is priced at $23.00, and while we understand this is a little more expensive, the restoring and preventative properties are well worth the price.
Overall Editor Score
9/10
#8 Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara
- Gives a natural, full look to lashes
- Clump-resistant
- Great for sensitive eyes
Pros
If you wear contacts or typically have very sensitive eyes – check out this mascara. This original volume building mascara glides onto lashes, lengthening and thickening the appearance of your lashes.
Product Ratings
Brush
8.9/10
The volume maximizing brush separates and builds on each lash to create long-lasting full-bodied lashes.
Simply hold the brush at the base of lashes and slide upwards. Apply multiple times for even thicker, more luscious lashes.
Formula
8.7/10
This formula is made to resist clumping, and help keep lashes soft. No more flakey or crusty lashes! This is a water-based mascara, but you will still need a make-up remover cloth to remove mascara or soap and water. This mascara is suitable for sensitive eyes or contact wearers.
Value
8.8/10
You’re getting 0.26oz for $5.55. This is a great cheap mascara that’s going to give you a thick, long-lasting, natural look.
Overall Editor Score
8.8/10
